Q: Do I need a lawyer to get a visitation schedule to see my child or would that be my right after paternity is confirmed?
The matter will be heard in Fulton Country GA and a petition for Paternity and Child Support was filed. I know I need to file an answer and counterclaim for legitimation to get proper rights in GA and a definitive visitation schedule.
There is already a child support order from Illinois where I used to live. Paternity has been confirmed by dna by the Cook County Court in Illinois.
A: If you choose to represent yourself you will be expected to have the same knowledge as an attorney. You will be expected to handle your own discovery, your case in chief and to prepare all of your documents for Court. I would highly suggest hiring an attorney, because the child support, custody & visitation that comes out of the case will be final. If the child support is higher than it should be you will not be able to modify it for at least 2 years, unless there's a material change in circumstances. And if you end up with less visitation than you want, you won't be able to change that for at least two years either. Thus, wouldn't you rather have an attorney to get your case right the first time?
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